Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal has launched a scathing critique against former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, accusing him of spreading propaganda and creating unnecessary turmoil as part of a strategy to re-enter the political arena. Moonilal asserted that Rowley is positioning himself as a counter to what he described as a “very weak” opposition leader, Pennelope Beckles. Moonilal emphasized that there has never been any discussion about selling Paria Fuel Trading or its assets, stating, “We have always spoken about reopening the refinery, and therefore that matter does not arise.” He referenced a 2019 incident where the PNM government issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the sale of Paria, only to withdraw it later, describing the move as “sheepish and embarrassing.” Moonilal also dismissed Rowley’s claims about potential risks to energy installations due to US initiatives in the Caribbean, labeling them as “irresponsible and alarmist.” He highlighted that multinational corporations already have robust contingency plans in place. Moonilal criticized Rowley’s track record in the energy sector, citing the closure of 13 energy plants under former Energy Minister Stuart Young, which led to the lowest oil and gas production in a generation. He also pointed to the NiQuan debacle, where safety lapses resulted in a fatal explosion in 2023, and the financial struggles that led to the plant’s closure. Moonilal accused Rowley of undermining national security by returning helicopters purchased under the People’s Partnership and failing to establish a broader border-protection agency. He concluded by urging Rowley and his associates to refrain from spreading misinformation and undermining confidence in the energy sector.
博客
-
Second man freed of Arouca businessman’s 2021 murder
In a significant legal development, Andrew Sutton, a Malabar resident accused of the 2021 murder of Arouca businessman Nicholas Mohith, has been acquitted by the High Court. Justice Nalini Singh delivered the verdict following a judge-only trial at the Hall of Justice in Port of Spain. Sutton had been charged with the fatal shooting of Mohith, who was killed at his business premises on March 11, 2021. The incident occurred when an unidentified gunman entered the establishment and shot Mohith before fleeing the scene. Another individual, Renaldo Thomas, was also charged in connection with the murder but was discharged earlier this year due to the prosecution’s failure to present sufficient evidence. Thomas’s case faced repeated delays due to the State’s non-compliance with disclosure requirements, leading to multiple adjournments. Ultimately, Master Sarah De Silva ruled that no further extensions would be granted, and with no evidence presented, Thomas was discharged under Section 24 of the Administration of Justice (Preliminary Inquiries) Act. Sutton was represented by attorneys Delicia Helwig-Robertson and Sara Julien, while the prosecution was led by Shervon Noriega and Cassie Bisram.
-
Caesar’s Army head on PM’s stadia ban: The show must go on
The future of Carnival 2026 in Trinidad and Tobago remains uncertain as two major venues—the Hasely Crawford Stadium (HCS) and the Jean Pierre Complex—have been banned from hosting fetes for most of the season. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced on November 18 that these venues will only be available for a nine-day window, from the Thursday before Carnival Monday to the Saturday after, with strict operating hours from 12 noon to 10 pm. This follows the earlier decision to prohibit events at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA) in Tarouba. Persad-Bissessar emphasized the need to balance cultural traditions with community well-being, addressing concerns over noise pollution. The National Carnival Commission has been tasked with improving sound systems to mitigate noise issues. Promoters are now scrambling to find alternative venues, with some events likely to be canceled. Jules Sobion, a prominent event producer, remains optimistic, stressing the importance of delivering a memorable Carnival experience. Meanwhile, Woodbrook residents have expressed support for measures to control noise, advocating for coexistence with disciplined event planning.
-
Proman welcomes removal of US tariffs
Proman, Trinidad and Tobago’s (TT) sole producer of Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) and the second-largest exporter of UAN to the United States (US), has welcomed the US government’s decision to eliminate tariffs on fertiliser exports. This move is expected to strengthen TT’s position as a reliable global supplier in the fertiliser and energy sectors. Managing Director Anand Ragbir highlighted the significance of this development, stating that it ensures price stability for farmers and safeguards critical export revenues for TT. Proman, a major tenant and employer at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate, is one of the top ten fertiliser producers globally, supplying UAN to farmers worldwide to enhance crop yields. The US remains TT’s largest trading partner and Proman’s primary export market for UAN. The tariffs, initially imposed by former US President Donald Trump in April, subjected several TT exports to a 15% duty, excluding energy products. However, following negotiations and adjustments, Trump expanded the list of exempted goods on November 14, including agricultural products and fertilisers. This decision reflects progress in trade talks, domestic demand, and production capacity. The exemption list now includes coffee, tea, tropical fruits, cocoa, spices, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, beef, and additional fertilisers. Reuters reported that this tariff rollback impacts over 200 food products, with recent US consumer price index data showing significant price increases for items like ground beef and steaks, despite claims of minimal inflation.
-
Doctor jailed 30 years for criticizing Maduro in WhatsApp message
A Venezuelan court has handed down a 30-year prison sentence to a doctor for allegedly criticizing President Nicolas Maduro’s government in a WhatsApp audio message, according to human rights organizations. Marggie Orozco, a 65-year-old physician, was convicted of charges including treason, incitement to hatred, and conspiracy after local community leaders reported her for what was deemed a disloyal communication. The specifics of the message and its intended recipient remain undisclosed. Orozco was arrested in August 2024 in San Juan de Colon, a town in western Venezuela, during a period of political turmoil following Maduro’s controversial reelection. The opposition and numerous international entities have labeled the election as fraudulent. Maduro’s disputed victory sparked widespread protests, leading to the arrest of 2,400 individuals, though most were released within months. In the aftermath, Maduro called on his supporters to identify and report so-called “fascists,” a term frequently used to describe opposition members. Orozco has reportedly suffered two heart attacks while in detention, according to Venezuela’s JEP rights NGO. The Foro Penal NGO estimates that approximately 882 individuals are currently held as “political prisoners” in Venezuelan jails.
-
Roman Oost-West: Liefde in tijden van dictatuur
On the eve of the 50th anniversary of Srefidensi, Professor Guno Jones, holder of the Anton de Kom Chair, received the first copy of the novel ‘Oost-West’ by Morales Wijngaarde (1961–1992) in Amsterdam. The book launch, held in a packed venue, was attended by notable figures including Ernestine Comvalius, Henry Does, Raoul de Jong, Ricardo Wijngaarde, Caroline Mulder, and Noraly Beyer. The novel narrates the love story between two young individuals during the early years of the Republic of Suriname. At a university party, Marius, a politically conscious Afro-Surinamese student raised in the multicultural environment of Paramaribo, meets Chandra, a teacher training student from a traditional Hindu background in the rice district of Nickerie. Their relationship faces resistance due to cultural differences. Noraly Beyer, in her review on the book’s back cover, praised the novel for its precise depiction of daily life in Suriname, drawing parallels to the famous 1976 Surinamese film ‘Wan Pipel’. She highlighted the grim backdrop of the 1980s military dictatorship, which she personally recognized. Morales Wijngaarde, a sociology graduate from the Anton de Kom University of Suriname, was a student leader and editor of the leftist weekly ‘Mokro’. He left Suriname after the December Murders, during which ‘Mokro’ founder Bram Behr was killed and the publication was banned. Wijngaarde continued his work as a journalist and writer in exile in Amsterdam until his death. ‘Oost-West’ was published by Nijgh & Van Ditmar, the same publisher that released works by Albert Helman. Raoul de Jong wrote the foreword, and Henry Does provided the introduction. The author dedicated the novel to Bram Behr, stating, ‘For Bram. They destroyed your fragile body, but they could not tame your restless spirit.’
-
CARILEC Thanks APUA and Regional Lineworkers for Supporting Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa
The Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) has extended its heartfelt gratitude to the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and regional lineworkers for their unwavering support in restoring power across Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The devastating hurricane left widespread destruction, crippling infrastructure and leaving thousands without electricity. APUA, alongside a dedicated team of lineworkers from across the Caribbean, swiftly mobilized to assist Jamaica’s recovery efforts. Their expertise and tireless work were instrumental in repairing damaged power lines and restoring essential services to affected communities. CARILEC highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in disaster response, emphasizing that such partnerships are vital for building resilience in the face of increasingly severe weather events. The organization also commended the lineworkers for their bravery and commitment, often working in challenging conditions to ensure the safety and well-being of others. This collective effort underscores the spirit of solidarity within the Caribbean region, demonstrating how shared resources and expertise can make a significant difference in times of crisis.
-
Cloudflare outage disrupts major websites and internet services
Early Tuesday morning, a substantial portion of the internet faced significant disruptions, impacting a range of popular websites and online platforms. The root cause of the outage was traced back to a malfunction within Cloudflare, a leading provider of internet infrastructure services, as reported by The Independent. The incident left users unable to access several high-profile sites, including Twitter/X, ChatGPT/OpenAI, and local outlets like Dominica News Online. The disruption lasted for several hours before Cloudflare managed to identify and resolve the issue. During the outage, users attempting to visit platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), ChatGPT, and Letterboxd, a film review site, encountered error messages indicating that Cloudflare’s technical difficulties were preventing pages from loading properly. Cloudflare is a critical player in the modern internet ecosystem, offering essential services that ensure website availability and security, including tools to defend against cyber threats and maintain online presence during high traffic periods. Interestingly, the outage also impacted Down Detector, a website that tracks internet service interruptions, which itself experienced issues due to the glitch. As of now, the issues appear to have been resolved.
-
Bridging the Banking Divide Through Blockchain Solutions in Caribbean Nations
The Caribbean region is grappling with a profound financial inclusion crisis, with nearly two-thirds of its 45 million residents lacking access to formal banking services. This issue is exacerbated by infrastructural limitations and the geographical isolation of island nations, posing a significant threat to economic growth. However, energy-efficient blockchain systems, particularly those employing proof-of-stake consensus mechanisms like Cardano, offer a promising solution to bridge this gap while supporting climate resilience goals.
Financial exclusion remains a pressing concern across the Caribbean. While 70% of adults in Latin America and the Caribbean had financial accounts in 2024, this figure still trails the global average for low- and middle-income countries by five percentage points. Disparities are stark: Jamaica reports 22% of its population as unbanked, while Trinidad and Tobago recorded 19% in 2022. Rural communities and women are disproportionately affected, facing barriers such as mistrust in banking systems, limited financial literacy, and high costs.
Blockchain technology emerges as a transformative tool to address these challenges. Unlike traditional banking, which relies on extensive physical infrastructure, blockchain systems operate through mobile devices and internet connectivity, making them ideal for remote areas. Proof-of-stake protocols, such as those used by Cardano, are highly energy-efficient, consuming minimal power per transaction and aligning with the Caribbean’s sustainability objectives.
The modular architecture of blockchain platforms allows for seamless updates without compromising security, a critical feature for resource-constrained economies. With mobile penetration rates exceeding 100% in many Caribbean territories, blockchain-based financial services can leverage existing networks to reach underserved populations. Digital wallets and tokenized infrastructure projects further reduce costs and enhance accessibility for micro-entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Caribbean governments are increasingly embracing digital transformation. Jamaica’s National Identification System and Barbados’s focus on broadband connectivity and e-commerce exemplify efforts to modernize economies. Financial technology startups in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica are also expanding access through mobile wallets and online lending solutions. In 2024, 37% of adults in the region reported having mobile money accounts, marking a 15-percentage-point increase from 2021.
Blockchain’s energy efficiency aligns with the Caribbean’s climate resilience strategies. Nations like Barbados are integrating digital tools for climate risk identification and resilience planning. Proof-of-stake protocols, which consume significantly less energy than traditional cryptocurrencies, support both environmental sustainability and economic growth.
However, successful blockchain adoption requires addressing barriers such as funding limitations, talent shortages, and regulatory inconsistencies. Microfinance institutions in Central America and the Caribbean have demonstrated the viability of digital solutions through inclusive financial products. Regional cooperation through organizations like CARICOM can harmonize regulations and foster innovation.
In conclusion, blockchain technology offers the Caribbean a unique opportunity to overcome traditional banking constraints and achieve financial inclusion. By leveraging energy-efficient systems and existing mobile networks, the region can drive inclusive economic development while advancing its climate resilience goals.
-
Constitutional crisis: why NDP must win 10 seats on Nov. 27
The candidacy of two representatives from the New Democratic Party (NDP) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has been challenged by the Unity Labour Party (ULP). The ULP alleges that the candidates, Dr. Godwin Friday and Mr. Fitzgerald Bramble, hold Canadian citizenship, which they argue disqualifies them from contesting the upcoming general elections on November 27. The challenge centers on Section 26 of the SVG Constitution, which prohibits individuals under any acknowledgment of allegiance, obedience, or adherence to a foreign state from holding parliamentary office. Despite the challenge, both candidates were successfully nominated. The ULP may pursue legal action, which, if successful, could disqualify the candidates and force them to vacate their seats if elected. The case hinges on whether Canada, as a Commonwealth member, is considered a foreign state under SVG law. Legal precedents in the Caribbean suggest that dual citizenship can disqualify candidates, as it may create divided loyalties. The outcome of this challenge could significantly impact the election results, particularly in the Northern Grenadines and East Kingstown constituencies. The NDP risks losing votes in these areas if the candidates are disqualified, potentially altering the political landscape of SVG.